The best trail running shoes for overpronation, it’s not always easy to find the right fit for your feet and running style. In this article, I will attempt to find the perfect shoes for your next few hundred miles on the trail.
Contrary to road running shoes, it’s a lot harder to find a good fit for a trail runner who suffers from overpronation. Trail running shoes are inherently stable, but that does not yet mean they will actually help with overpronation. For many runners, good insoles are the solution.
That said, some shoes definitely perform better than others. There are some really solid options I can recommend.
What is overpronation?
I’m assuming, if you are reading this article, you probably already know the answer to this question, at least partially, so I will keep it short.
Overpronation is a common biomechanical condition that affects the way your foot strikes the ground during walking or running. It occurs when the arch of your foot collapses excessively, causing your foot to roll inward more than the ideal range. This inward rolling motion can lead to a series of potential issues, including instability, discomfort, and an increased risk of injuries such as shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or knee pain.
Understanding overpronation is crucial for runners, and especially for trail runners, this is very important knowledge. It should impact the choice of shoes so that problems can be addresses and injury can be avoided.
The right choice of trail running shoes for overpronation
The main purpose of your shoe will be to limit the potential movement within the shoe, forcing your feet to make the right movement. These shoes are often called stability shoes or motion-control shoes. However, keep in mind that not all stability shoes are equally effective at managing overpronation.
Do not make the mistake of simply buying stability shoes, thinking that it will be ideal for your specific situation. You have to find shoes that will specifically address overpronation.
In summary, while stability shoes are generally geared towards addressing overpronation, the level of support and correction they offer can vary. It’s important to consider factors such as the severity of your overpronation, the specific features of the shoe, personal comfort, and professional advice when selecting a stability shoe to effectively manage overpronation.
Note that many trail runners use insoles in their regular/neutral trail running shoes to (partly) counter overpronation.
The best trail running shoes for overpronation
On cloudflyer
The On Cloudflyer is a reliable choice for trail runners dealing with overpronation. This shoe strikes a good balance between support and comfort, making it a practical option for those taking on challenging terrains. The Cloudflyer features CloudTec cushioning technology, providing responsive cushioning and a smoother transition from heel to toe, which can be particularly helpful for overpronators.
What sets the Cloudflyer apart is its built-in stability features. It incorporates a wider platform and a medial post to help control pronation while maintaining a natural stride. The shoe’s durable outsole with multidirectional lugs ensures dependable traction on various trail surfaces.
All things considered, the ON Cloudflyer is very good to deal with overpronation. Out of all my recommendations, this shoe will have the most impact on pronation. that said, these shoes are not true trail running shoes. They are very good options for light trails, but not really meant to be used on the very technical trails.
Is this shoe right for you? As long as you don’t go running on these technical trails, I can highly recommend them!
The best price for these shoes can usually be found here:
Men: On Cloudflyer
Women: ON Cloudflyer
Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
The Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 is an outstanding choice for trail runners dealing with overpronation, offering a winning combination of rugged performance and stability. This trail running shoe is purpose-built to conquer challenging terrains while providing the necessary support for overpronators. Its Contagrip® outsole delivers exceptional traction on diverse trail surfaces, ensuring a confident grip even on technical trails with uneven terrain.
One of the standout features for overpronators is the shoe’s inherent stability. While not a dedicated stability shoe, the XA Pro 3D V8 boasts a stable platform and supportive elements that help control pronation and promote a more neutral foot strike. This means less strain on your feet and lower limbs during your trail adventures.
Salomon’s SensiFit™ technology and Quicklace™ system ensure a secure and customized fit, wrapping your foot comfortably and securely. Plus, the shoe’s protective features, such as a reinforced toe cap and mudguard, shield your feet from trail hazards, so you can run with confidence.
All that said, these shoes are heavy for trail runners and they feel burly. It almost feels like you are running in hiking shoes. Depending on your priorities and preferences, this can be a dealbreaker.
Looking for more information?
Men: Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
Women: Salomon XA Pro 3D V8
Salomon S/Lab Ultra
The Salomon S/Lab Ultra is a popular choice among trail runners, known for its rugged performance on challenging terrains. While it is not specifically designed as a stability shoe, it offers a dependable and comfortable trail running experience.
In fact, the S/Lab Ultra is one of the best trail running shoes in general.
The shoe features a Contagrip® MA outsole, delivering excellent traction on various surfaces, making it suitable for technical trails. It incorporates a stable platform and a supportive chassis, providing a level of stability that can benefit runners with mild to moderate overpronation concerns.
Salomon’s Precision Fit ensures a secure and customized fit, reducing the risk of discomfort and blisters during runs. Additionally, the shoe includes protective features like a reinforced toe cap, enhancing durability and shielding your feet from trail obstacles.
In summary, the Salomon S/Lab Ultra is a solid choice for trail runners seeking a versatile and reliable shoe that performs well on challenging trails. While it may not offer the same level of stability as dedicated stability shoes, it provides a comfortable and supportive option for those with mild to moderate overpronation, allowing for confident trail running experiences.
These shoes can either be found here: Salomon S/Lab Ultra
Or you can consult the official website: Salomon S/Lab Ultra
Brooks Cascadia
The Brooks Cascadia is a well-regarded trail running shoe known for its durability and versatility. While it is not explicitly designed as a stability shoe, it offers a good amount of stability, which results in a very decent trail running shoe for overpronation.
The shoe features a rugged outsole with multidirectional lugs, providing excellent traction and grip on various terrains, from rocky trails to muddy paths. This makes it suitable for technical trails and off-road adventures.
Although the Cascadia is not specifically marketed as a stability shoe, it provides a comfortable and secure fit for many runners. Its midsole offers a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, which can benefit neutral runners or those with mild overpronation.
The shoe’s protective elements, such as a reinforced toe cap, offer added durability and shield your feet from trail obstacles. This sounds all very good, but ofcourse there is a tradeoff, this shoe is pretty heavy.
In summary, the Brooks Cascadia is a reliable choice for trail runners looking for a versatile and durable shoe. While it may not have the advanced stability features of dedicated stability shoes, it offers a comfortable and supportive option for those with mild overpronation or neutral gait, allowing for confident and enjoyable trail running experiences.
The best price for these shoes can usually be found here:
Men: Brooks Cascadia
Women: Brooks Cascadia
Conclusion
In the world of trail running, finding the perfect fit for overpronation can be challenging. Overpronation, a common biomechanical condition, can lead to instability, discomfort, and the risk of injuries. Trail running shoes come with their unique demands, and not all are designed to tackle overpronation effectively.
Stability and motion-control shoes are the go-to choices for overpronators. Among our top contenders, the ON Cloudflyer offers good pronation control and cushioning for confident trail running. The Salomon XA Pro 3D V8 excels in stability, traction, and comfort, making it a strong choice. The Salomon S/Lab Ultra, while not a dedicated stability shoe, offers dependable performance for mild to moderate overpronation. The Brooks Cascadia, known for its durability and versatility, provides a practical option.
In conclusion, finding the best trail running shoes for overpronation requires careful consideration of your specific needs. Choose a shoe that strikes the right balance of support, comfort, and performance for your unique trail running journey